Dr. Feelgood

DEALER OR HEALER?

Dr. William Hurwitz was a preeminent doctor sentenced to 25 years in prison for overprescribing painkillers. His story provides a window into the ethical dilemma of opioid prescriptions. Painkillers give doctors tremendous power to relieve pain, a primary goal of any physician, but this power begets trouble when the same drugs can lead to addiction, abuse and death.

In 2016, painkiller abuse continues to skyrocket, the federal government has issued its first guidelines to control opioid prescriptions, and the investigation into Prince's death only furthers finger-pointing at Big Pharma, doctors and addicts.

There could not be a more critical time to spark discussion on the topic and call for careful thought and action.